"Switch 2 Confronts New Challenge: Handheld Gaming PCs"

The excitement around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is palpable, yet its hefty $449.99 price tag and $79.99 games give me pause. My enthusiasm for the new console has waned, especially since my current Nintendo Switch has been gathering dust since I got my hands on the Asus ROG Ally. The issues I had with the original console seem even more pronounced with its successor, particularly in today's landscape dominated by handheld gaming PCs.

Asus ROG Ally Is All I Need

Handheld gaming has been a part of my life since childhood, from the Game Boy to the Nintendo DS, and the PlayStation Portable. There's something uniquely comforting about playing games tucked under a blanket in bed. I was even one of the few staunch supporters of the PlayStation Vita, playing it daily during my college commutes.

The Nintendo Switch was revolutionary when it launched in 2017. I got mine near launch and primarily used it for exclusives. For games that felt better suited for handheld play, I reserved them mentally for the Switch. Yet, if those games were available for free on platforms like Epic Games Store, Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, or Humble Choice, I hesitated to repurchase them on the Switch. The lack of significant discounts on Switch games exacerbated this dilemma, leaving me caught in a loop of wanting to play handheld but not wanting to spend more money on games I already owned. This often resulted in me not playing the games at all.

The 2023 launch of the Asus ROG Ally changed everything for me. This handheld gaming PC runs on Windows 11, giving me access to Steam, Game Pass, Epic Games, and more. Now, I can enjoy those games I previously found uncomfortable to play on a PC, right from the comfort of my bed.

With the Asus ROG Ally, I've delved into a vast library of indie games and am steadily working through my backlog. Without it, I might never have experienced gems like Celeste, Little Nightmares II, or the Resident Evil Remake, which have become some of my all-time favorites. The Ally has not only become my go-to handheld device but has also saved me a significant amount of money.

Despite this, the announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 piqued my interest, given my deep affection for Nintendo's games. However, after the Switch 2 Direct, I'm left questioning its place in my gaming setup.

The Switch 2 Isn’t Alone Anymore

At a starting price of $449, the Nintendo Switch 2 enters a highly competitive market. It's priced close to the $499 PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with the PS5's digital edition initially launching at a more affordable $399. Over the past eight years, the original Switch's innovative design has spurred a wave of competitors. The Steam Deck kicked things off in 2022, followed by a slew of handheld gaming PCs like the Asus ROG Ally, Lenovo Legion Go, and MSI Claw. Rumors even suggest Xbox might be developing its own handheld device. The Switch 2 no longer stands alone, making it a less compelling investment, especially for someone like me who already owns another capable handheld.

Handheld gaming PCs boast powerful hardware and can handle everything from indie titles to third-party games with ease. Their expansive libraries and access to games you already own make them versatile platforms. With advancements like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme on the horizon, the Switch 2 may soon be outclassed by its competitors.

For those of us with handheld gaming PCs, the Switch 2's high entry cost and limited utility for anything other than Nintendo exclusives make it a tough sell. With games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza launching at $79.99 and $69.99, respectively, and knowing that Nintendo games rarely see significant discounts, the investment becomes even harder to justify.

Nintendo's exclusives are undoubtedly valuable, offering some of the best gaming experiences out there. For many, the Switch 2's lineup will justify its cost over time. However, for those of us already equipped with a handheld gaming PC, the Switch 2 might not be the necessary addition we hoped it would be.

In conclusion, the Nintendo Switch 2 may not be a worthwhile investment for everyone, particularly if you already own a handheld gaming PC. Devices like the Legion Go offer stellar performance and access to a vast array of indie and third-party games. My Asus ROG Ally fulfills everything I once needed a Switch for, and with access to numerous storefronts, it's simply a better platform for gaming.